Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’ is a sport from a seedling crop of Cornus kousa. Distinctly upright in form, as opposed to other gold-variegated dogwoods, 'Summer Gold' has uniform yellow variegation, uncrinkled leaves and a strong growing habit.(Z4-8). This colorful selection has eye catching mid green foliage with colorful broad golden yellow margins. In early spring this elegant tree is a mass of four pedaled bracts which in appearance are like creamy flowers. Summer foliage bushes soft flamingo pink transforming to a fabulous flaming red by fall. ‘Summer Gold’ has much better summer variegation than other C. Kousa selections. A a unique and showy small tree for woodlands edge or as an ornamental specime tree for the modern garden. ‘Summer Gold’ is the perfect tree for smaller yards.